I t’s one of Sale’s secret surprises ….and Walkden Gardens is arguably the town’s prettiest place.
Yet for some it remains undiscovered. Many use the junction of Marsland Road and Derbyshire Road without even realising it is there.
Entrance is free to this maze of beautifully-manicured public gardens which are particularly stunning at this time of year. The wisteria arch and Japanese gardens are among its gems.
This Sale success story is a tribute to dedicated volunteers from Friends of Walkden Gardens who work alongside owners Trafford Council.
The five-acre site is named after Harry Walkden who ran Moorside Nurseries and died in 1949. He bequeathed the land to the council on condition it was used for public good as a park, pleasure ground or botanical gardens.
The centrepiece is the dovecote, an important reminder of Sale’s heritage. It once stood within the grounds of Sale Old Hall and was moved from its original location next to the M60 in 2003.
It was painstakingly dismantled and rebuilt, another example of the attention to detail throughout these gardens.
For more information visit www.walkdengardens.co.uk.
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